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Biomedical subjects

U Bhargava

Publications and source records attributed to U Bhargava.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Expression and regulation of galectin 3 in rat osteoblastic cells.

Galectin 3 is an endogenous soluble beta-galactoside-specific lectin originally identified and termed epsilon BP or IgE-binding protein in rat basophilic leukemia cells, but its wide tissue distribution and the multiple contexts in which it has been isolated have suggested that its function may not be limited to IgE binding but may include a role in cell growth regulation and differentiation, neoplastic transformation, and cell adhesion (Liu, 1990, Crit. Rev. Immunol., 10:289-306; Barondes et al., 1994, J. Biol. Chem., 269:20807-20810). After immunoscreening of a lambda gt11 cDNA expression library made from bone-nodule forming cultures of fetal rat calvaria (RC) cells with an antibody raised against osteoblastic cells (Turksen et al., 1992, J. Histochem. Cytochem., 40:1339-1352), three cDNA clones were isolated and sequenced; the sequence matched that of rat galectin 3. Galectin 3 mRNA was detected in various fetal and adult rat tissues, including calvaria and cultured RC cells. In RC cells and the rat osteosarcoma cell line ROS 17/2.8, galectin 3 mRNA expression increased with time in culture, in contrast to its behavior in fetal rat skin fibroblasts (RSF) in which its expression decreased with time in culture. In a second rat osteosarcoma line, UMR 106.01, galectin 3 mRNA was almost nondetectable. The synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex) enhanced galectin 3 expression in RSF cell cultures, while 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) had no significant effect. In contrast, Dex downregulated and 1,25(OH)2D3 upregulated galectin 3 expression in RC and ROS 17/2.8 cells, especially at later time points in culture when expression of osteoblast-associated differentiation markers by these cell types is most marked. Immunolabeling with an antibody against rat galectin 3 to identify galectin 3 protein showed that cells labelled within both the ROS 17/2.8 and RC populations but with marked intercellular heterogeneity of intensity. Our data support the conclusion that galectin 3 is a previously unrecognized product of osteoblastic cells, that galectin 3 mRNA and protein expression increases with time in vitro concomitant with other markers of osteogenesis, including formation of bone nodules and expression of osteoblast-associated markers such as alkaline phosphatase, bone sialo-protein, and osteocalcin, and that its expression is regulated by hormones such as glucocorticoids and 1,25(OH)2D3 that modulate other aspects of the osteoblast phenotype.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Isolation of monoclonal antibodies recognizing rat bone-associated molecules in vitro and in vivo.

Knowledge of the number and kinds of differentiation steps that characterize cells of the osteoblast lineage is inadequate. To further analyze osteoblast differentiation, we generated a series of monoclonal antibodies (MAb) to osteogenic cells. Spleen cells from mice immunized with whole-cell populations enriched for expression of osteoblast-associated properties or bone formation in vitro were fused with the SP2/0 myeloma cell line. Supernatants from growing hybridomas were screened by indirect immunofluorescence on frozen sections of a portion of 21-day fetal rat heads that included the calvaria bone, periosteum, muscle, fibrous connective tissue, and skin. Six MAb were selected with bone-associated staining and limited ability to label other tissues. Either cell surface or cytoplasmic molecules were recognized by five of the MAb; one recognized a molecule detectable both in the cytoplasm, on the cell surface, and in the extracellular matrix. Of the antibodies selected, one identified both preosteoblasts and osteoblasts and has been found to be against alkaline phosphatase. The others recognized the mature osteoblasts, osteocytes, and chondrocytic cells. The pattern and distribution of the labeling in vivo extended to primary cells and cell lines in vivo. These results support earlier observations on molecules differentially expressed by cells at different stages of the osteoblast lineage and extend the available cell surface and cytoplasmic epitopes identifiable as marker molecules.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Ultrastructural analysis of bone nodules formed in vitro by isolated fetal rat calvaria cells.

When cells enzymatically digested from 21 d fetal rat calvaria are grown in ascorbic acid and Na beta-glycerophosphate, they form discrete three-dimensional nodular structures with the histological and immunohistochemical appearance of woven bone. The present investigation was undertaken to verify that bone-like features were identifiable at the ultrastructural level. The nodules formed on top of a fibroblast-like multilayer of cells. The upper surface of the nodules was lined by a continuous layer of cuboidal osteoblastic cells often seen to be joined by adherens junctions. Numerous microvilli, membrane protrusions, and coated pits could be seen on the upper surface of these cells, their cytoplasm contained prominent RER and Golgi membranes, and processes extended from their lower surfaces into a dense, highly organized collagenous matrix. Some osteocyte-like cells were completely embedded within this matrix; they also displayed RER and prominent processes which extended through the matrix and often made both adherens and gap junctional contacts with the processes of other cells. The fibroblastic cells not participating in nodule formation were surrounded by a less dense collagenous matrix and, in contrast to the matrix of the nodules, it did not mineralize. An unmineralized osteoid-like layer was seen directly below the cuboidal top layer of cells. A mineralization front was detectable below this in which small, discrete structures resembling matrix vesicles and feathery mineral crystals were evident and frequently associated with the collagen fibrils. More heavily mineralized areas were seen further into the nodule. Electron microprobe and electron and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the mineral to be hydroxyapatite.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Membrane blebbing is associated with Ca2+-activated hyperpolarizations induced by serum and alpha 2-macroglobulin.

We have reported previously that serum and alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M) induce Ca2+-activated hyperpolarizations in the membrane potential of a clonal rat osteosarcoma cell line (ROS 17/2) (Dixon and Aubin, J. Cell, Physiol., 132:215-225, 1987). In this report, we describe morphological changes that accompany these hyperpolarizations. Both cell surface blebbing (zeiosis) and transient hyperpolarizations were induced by application of 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) or alpha 2M; neither was induced by serum-free medium, a suspension of latex beads, or purified bovine serum albumin. Following a brief application of FBS or alpha 2M at time 0, electrical activity typically occurred between 7-40 s and was always followed by blebbing activity that began at 30 s and persisted for 3-5 min. In contrast, continuous exposure to FBS resulted in the persistence of both blebbing activity and transient hyperpolarizations for periods of at least several hours. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the blebs appeared concomitantly with the disappearance of microvilli and the appearance of surface pits that measured 100-300 nm in diameter. Coated pits and vesicles, similar in size to the pits observed by SEM, were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). By TEM, blebs were found to contain few organelles other than centrally located free ribosomes. Fluorescence microscopy of nitrobenzooxadizole-phallacidin-labeled cells indicated that blebs contained filamentous actin and that microfilament bundles remained primarily on the substratum side of blebbed cells. We propose that blebbing results from a dynamic local reorganization of microfilaments initiated by ligand-induced transient increases in intracellular Ca2+.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Dome formation by oral epithelia in vitro.

Multicellular, cystic structures, termed domes, have been described previously in epithelia cultured from various tissues that have a known transport or secretory function in vivo and in vitro. We report for the first time dome formation in cells cultured from "covering" and "rest" epithelia of oral tissues: porcine gingival and alveolar mucosa epithelium and epithelial rests of Malassez. As demonstrated by light- and electron microscopy, the morphology of the domes varied with the location of their lumen and the number of cells or cell layers involved in their structure. Sequential observations using phase contrast microscopy and time lapse cinematography of living cultures showed that the domes were dynamic structures with expansion-collapse cycles of between 30 min and 17 h duration. Dome formation in oral epithelia was stimulated by dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP, 10(-3) to 10(-6) M) and abolished by ouabain (10(-10) M), an inhibitor of sodium transport. The morphological features and the dynamic nature of domes found in oral epithelia, and their dbcAMP and ouabain responsiveness are similar to those demonstrated previously in several other epithelia that have a known transport function in vivo and in vitro. Such fluid transport is not thought to be a property of oral epithelia in vivo. Our data, however, suggest a similar function of these epithelia cultured in vitro, and perhaps in pathological cyst formation in vivo.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Copper status of Indian pregnant women of low socio-economic group and its effect on the outcome of pregnancy.

Copper status of 109 women, (36 nonpregnant, 17 in the first trimester, 17 in the second trimester of pregnancy and 39 in the postpartum period) and its effect on the outcome of pregnancy was evaluated by a cross-sectional study. The results documented a low intake of copper--1.2 mg-1.5 mg, by the women and a statistically significant correlation (P less than 0.01) between the intake of copper and the intake Calories and protein. Serum copper levels rose with the progress of pregnancy and the increase was statistically significant (P less than 0.005) in the second trimester. Thereafter, a slight decline was noted. No correlation was found between serum copper and serum total proteins, albumin or globulin in either the pregnant or the nonpregnant women. The correlation between the dietary intake of copper and serum copper concentration was also not significant. Birth weight, length and head circumference of the neonate exhibited no correlation with material dietary or serum copper levels.

Birth Weight↗